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Nielsen: Kids want iPad for holidays

Survey shows that American kids between 6 and 12 want an iPad this year more than any other tech product. It's followed closely by a computer and the iPod Touch.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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The iPad is most desired among 6- to 12-year-olds.
The iPad is the most desired piece of tech among 6- to 12-year-olds. James Martin/CNET

If your kids are begging for tech, the iPad might just top their holiday wish-list.

According to Nielsen, which conducted a survey in October to see which tech products American kids want through the beginning of next year, Apple's tablet sat at the top of a 17-item list, with 31 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 saying they want to get their hands on the device.

A computer and Apple's iPod Touch tied for second, with 29 percent of children saying they wanted those products. Nintendo's DS took the fourth spot with 25 percent of kids eyeing the portable gaming device.

Sony's PlayStation 3, any (non-iPhone) smartphone, and a mobile phone all tied for fifth place with 21 percent of kids having interest in those products this year. The Apple iPhone, a television, and the as-yet released Nintendo 3DS rounded out the top 10, each with 20 percent of children's interest.

An e-reader was the least popular gift this year, ranking 17th, with just 11 percent of kids saying they wanted one.

Nielsen also found out what youths 13 and up are coveting.

Among that group, a computer led the way with 20 percent desiring a PC or Mac. A television and a (non-iPhone) smartphone tied for the second spot with 19 percent. Apple's iPad, a Blu-ray player, and an e-reader took the next three spots with 18 percent, 17 percent, and 15 percent of teens showing interest, respectively.

The Nintendo Wii ranked seventh among teens with 15 percent saying they wanted one. It was followed by the iPhone and PlayStation 3, each with votes from 13 percent of teens.

Sony's PlayStation Portable was the least-desired tech product among teenagers, ranking 17th, with just 5 percent of showing interest in it.

Nielsen's study follows a similar survey released last month by the Duracell Toy Report. According to that survey, nearly 40 percent of kids between the ages of 5 and 16 want an iPhone 4, iPod Touch, or iPad this holiday season.